New CBI director-general confirmed

Richard Lambert, former editor of the Financial Times and a member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee, has been confirmed as the new CBI director-general.

Lambert will formally take over the reins of the employers’ organisation from Sir Digby Jones, who has led it since 2000, on 1 July, after spending a month travelling the country and hearing the views of CBI members.

The appointment has followed a rigorous search by the CBI for the person to be the most influential independent voice for business in the UK.

More than 700 people were contacted for input including leading figures in business, deans of business schools, civil servants and senior policy-makers.

Three hundred candidates were whittled down to 31, including 11 women. This was then narrowed down to seven lead contenders – five men and two women.

John Sunderland, CBI president, said: “Being director-general of the CBI is one of the most demanding and high-profile jobs in the country, and Richard Lambert’s appointment comes at a time when business faces a unique set of challenges from all quarters.

“[Richard] has the insight and vision to lead the CBI into the next decade, and his track record gives him the credibility and strength to be listened to by business, international organisations and governments around the world alike.”

Lambert said: “British business needs a powerful voice to put it where it belongs – at the heart of the country’s economic life. It’s not a separate interest group: the future wellbeing of everyone in the country depends on the dynamism and prosperity of our business sector.”